Secure Field Replaceable Touch Display Module Recalibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computing devices lack a secure process for recalibrating touch controllers to function properly with replacement touch display modules (TDMs) during field replacement, leading to discarded devices or costly refurbishment.
Innovation Solution
A system that compares identification numbers stored in a TDM datastore and a system datastore, authorizes calibration if they differ, and resets the TDM identification number to match the system number, enabling secure recalibration and calibration data locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If calibration data is locked to prevent tampering, then security is improved, but field replacement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration data locking mechanism is made dynamic rather than static. The system automatically detects TDM replacement through identification number comparison and temporarily unlocks calibration data for recalibration, then re-locks it afterward. This dynamic state change allows the system to maintain security while enabling field replacement when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop that continuously monitors the identification numbers of the TDM and system. When a mismatch is detected indicating replacement, the system automatically triggers calibration data unlocking and recalibration. This feedback mechanism ensures security is maintained while automatically enabling repair operations when required.
2Reliability
If devices are discarded or sent for refurbishment upon TDM failure, then security is maintained, but loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service field replacement by automatically detecting TDM failure through identification number comparison and initiating the recalibration process without requiring manufacturer intervention. This allows end-users or technicians to replace TDMs independently while maintaining security, eliminating the need to discard devices or send them for expensive refurbishment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding failed TDMs or devices, the system recovers and reuses them by enabling field replacement. The automatic detection and recalibration process allows the same device to continue operating with a replacement TDM, thereby reducing waste and refurbishment costs while maintaining security standards.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If calibration data is stored in non-volatile memory, then persistence is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration data storage system transitions from a static persistent state to a dynamic state that can be temporarily modified. The non-volatile memory maintains persistence normally, but the system can temporarily override this to allow recalibration after TDM replacement, then restore persistence afterward. This dynamic behavior enables adaptability while maintaining long-term persistence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of TDM replacement through identification number comparison before attempting to use existing calibration data. This preliminary action determines whether calibration data should be unlocked and recalibration performed, allowing the system to adapt to replacement scenarios while maintaining normal persistence operation under normal conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
In the event of a TDM failure, the associated computing device is either discarded or sent back to an original equipment manufacturer's facility for refurbishment. Field replacement of TDMs is typically not possible due to the lack of a secure process to recalibrate the touch controller to function properly with a replacement TDM. The presently disclosed systems and methods enable secure recalibration of a touch controller within a computing device to operate correctly with a new TDM field installed in the computing device. More specifically, the presently disclosed systems and methods provide a mechanism for detecting that a TDM has been field replaced, unlocking calibration data, performing a calibration process, and locking the new calibration data.